Apple to Begin Assembling First Made-in-India iPhone Pro Models This Year
蘋果今年開始組裝於印度製造的iPhone Pro
In a significant shift in its global production strategy, Apple is set to start assembling its iPhone 16 Pro models in India, marking the first time the tech giant will produce its Pro series iPhones outside of China. Foxconn India will handle the production at its facilities, commencing shortly after the global release of the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max. This move underscores Apple’s ongoing efforts to diversify its manufacturing base and reduce reliance on China, aligning with broader industry trends and geopolitical considerations.
India’s role in Apple’s supply chain has been steadily growing, with the country contributing around 14% of Apple’s total iPhone production as of early 2024. This figure is expected to rise to 25% by next year, further emphasizing the increasing importance of the Indian market. The addition of the iPhone 16 Pro series to India’s production portfolio, and the potential for the iPhone 17 to be produced exclusively in the country, highlight Apple’s commitment to expanding its manufacturing presence in India. This expansion is expected to bolster the local economy by creating jobs and attracting technological investments.
小編點評：蘋果將首次開始在印度開始組裝其iPhone 16 Pro機型，這標誌著其生產策略從中國出發的重大轉變。富士康將負責這項新的生產工作，這反映了蘋果將其製造基地多樣化並降低地緣政治風險的目標。此舉不僅強調了印度在蘋果供應鏈中的越來越多的責任，而且有望通過創造就業和技術投資來促進當地經濟。
Foxconn Plans to Establish Battery Energy Storage System Unit in India Amid Expansion Efforts
富士康計劃在印度建立電池儲能系統工廠
Taiwanese electronics manufacturing giant Foxconn is planning to set up a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) unit in India, as part of its ongoing global expansion in the energy sector. BESS technology enables the storage of energy generated from renewable sources like solar and wind, playing a crucial role in the transition to sustainable energy solutions. Foxconn’s interest in establishing a BESS facility in India highlights its commitment to expanding its footprint in renewable energy, following the company’s first battery manufacturing plant in Taiwan. According to a report by Indian news agency PTI, Foxconn Chairman Young Liu has been in discussions with Indian officials about potential collaborations, particularly in Tamil Nadu, where the company is looking to establish this new venture.
Foxconn’s broader strategy includes prioritizing electric vehicles, digital health, and robotics, marking a significant shift in its business focus. The company has already made substantial investments in India, totaling USD 10 billion, and plans to increase this amount in the coming year. Foxconn’s expansion into the BESS market in India aligns with its ongoing efforts to diversify its business and support the global push towards green energy. Additionally, Foxconn has also proposed setting up an electric vehicle unit in India, further underscoring its commitment to becoming a key player in the country’s burgeoning clean energy and technology sectors.
Foxconn plans to set up battery energy storage system unit in India (evertiq.com)
小編點評：富士康計劃在印度建立電池儲能系統（BESS）工廠，這是其在台灣第一個電池工廠之後，更廣泛的可再生能源擴展。這一舉動強調了富士康致力於支持可持續能源解決方案並多樣化其業務重點，包括電動汽車和機器人技術。該公司的投資可能集中在泰米爾納德邦（Tamil Nadu），符合其在印度綠色能源領域的發展，並以其在該國的大量投資為基礎的戰略。
India’s Electronic Manufacturing Services Market to Hit $72.2 Billion by FY27
印度的電子製造服務市場將達到722億美元市值
India’s electronic manufacturing services (EMS) market is set to experience rapid growth, with projections indicating it will reach $72.2 billion by FY27, up from $17.5 billion in FY22. This growth, representing a 32% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) over the five-year period, is being driven by robust government initiatives such as the production-linked incentive (PLI) schemes and the Semicon India programme, aimed at bolstering the country’s electronic manufacturing sector. The government has also reopened the PLI scheme window for white goods to attract additional investments, further boosting the industry’s expansion.
Despite the surge in electronics production, which rose from $48 billion in FY17 to $101 billion in FY23, the report by Motilal Oswal Financial Services highlights that component manufacturing in India has lagged behind. The report notes that component manufacturing faces challenges, including high upfront capital expenditure and longer gestation periods before production begins. To address these issues, Niti Aayog has recommended a series of measures, including fiscal incentives, research and development investments, and the establishment of industrial infrastructure zones. Key players in the EMS market, such as Dixon Technologies and Amber Enterprises, are focusing on expanding their presence and achieving greater backward integration, with the country’s electronic manufacturing capacity expected to reach $500 billion by FY2030.
小編點評：印度的電子製造服務（EMS）市場預計到27財年將飆升至722億美元，高於2022財年的175億美元，這是由政府政策所驅動的，例如生產鏈接的激勵措施（PLI）計劃和Semicon India計劃。儘管有這種增長，印度的組件製造仍面臨諸如高入門成本和冗長的生產時間表之類的挑戰。為了解決這些問題，Niti Aayog提倡增加財政激勵措施和工業基礎設施的發展，並由Dixon Technologies和Amber Enterprises等主要參與者著重於擴大其運營和後向整合。
Ather Energy Becomes Unicorn with $71 Million Investment from NIIF
Ather Energy從NIIF獲得了7100萬美元的投資，成為獨角獸
Ather Energy, the electric scooter manufacturer, has officially entered the unicorn club after securing Rs 600 crore ($71 million) in funding from the National Investment and Infrastructure Fund (NIIF), pushing its valuation to $1.3 billion (approximately Rs 10,900 crore). This makes Ather the fourth Indian unicorn of the year and the second in the mobility sector, following Rapido’s $120 million funding round in July. NIIF, the Indian sovereign wealth fund, had initially invested in Ather in May 2022 and has now significantly bolstered its stake, marking a milestone in Ather’s growth trajectory.
Ather’s valuation has surged from around $740-750 million in 2022, with the latest investment reflecting growing confidence in the company’s future prospects. The funding round was finalized after previous reports indicated Ather was in the process of securing $70-90 million from existing investors, following Flipkart founder Sachin Bansal’s exit from the firm. This development comes at a time when Ather’s larger competitor, Ola Electric, has seen its stock surge following its recent listing, signaling strong investor interest in India’s burgeoning electric vehicle market. Despite the buzz, both Ather and NIIF have remained tight-lipped about the details of the transaction.
小編點評：Ather Energy已從國家投資和基礎設施基金（NIIF）獲得7100萬美元的投資，加入了獨角獸隊伍，將其估值提高到13億美元。這筆資金標誌著Ather是今年的第四個印度獨角獸，也是繼Rapido之後的第二個智慧移動領域獨角獸。這項投資強調了對Ather的未來的信心日益增強，以及對印度電動汽車市場的興趣不斷上升。
IIT Guwahati Partners with Taipei Economic and Cultural Centre to Establish Taiwan Education Centre
IIT Guwahati與台北經濟文化中心合作，建立台灣教育中心
Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Education Division of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Centre (TECC) in India, marking a significant collaboration aimed at enhancing cultural and educational exchange. The partnership, effective from 13th August 2024, will see the establishment of a Taiwan Education Centre on the IIT Guwahati campus. This initiative is designed to expose students to Taiwanese higher education opportunities, particularly in the semiconductor and agritech industries, through Mandarin language instruction and cultural exchange programs. The MoU was signed by Prof. Devendra Jalihal, Director of IIT Guwahati, and Mr. Peters Chen, Director of the Education Division TECC, with senior representatives from both institutions in attendance.
The collaboration will allow IIT Guwahati to integrate Mandarin language courses into its curriculum, with TECC assisting in recruiting expert teachers from Taiwan. This partnership is part of a broader effort to deepen bilateral ties between India and Taiwan, fostering academic exchanges and industry interaction. With 35 Taiwan Education Centres already established across India, this new centre at IIT Guwahati will be the 36th, further solidifying educational and cultural connections between the two regions. The MoU is set to remain in effect for three years, with provisions for extension and amendment, offering students valuable opportunities for linguistic and cultural development in today’s globalized world.
小編點評：IIT Guwahati與台北經濟文化中心合作，在其校園內建立台灣教育中心，增強了印度和台灣之間的文化和教育交流。該倡議將將國文課程和文化課程整合到IIT Guwahati的課程中，進一步加強雙邊關係，並為學生提供在半導體和農業科技等領域的新機會。
Andhra Pradesh Courts Foxconn with Proposal for ‘Manufacturing City’ and Incentives
安得拉邦法院提出了“製造城市”和激勵措施的提案
Andhra Pradesh’s Education and IT Minister, Nara Lokesh, has extended a high-profile invitation to electronics manufacturing giant Foxconn, proposing the establishment of a “manufacturing city” in the state. During a recent meeting with Foxconn representatives, Lokesh emphasized the state government’s commitment to supporting the company’s expansion plans in India, offering comprehensive subsidies and a dedicated policy framework to facilitate their investment. He highlighted the state’s ambitious goal of creating 20 lakh jobs and expressed confidence that Foxconn could play a pivotal role in achieving this target.
Foxconn’s Indian representative, Vi Li, responded positively, acknowledging the previous efforts of former Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu in attracting investments to the state and expressing interest in rekindling that relationship. Li confirmed Foxconn’s intent to explore opportunities in Andhra Pradesh, particularly in sectors like electric vehicle manufacturing, semiconductors, and digital health. The meeting concluded with a tentative agreement for significant investment in the state, with Lokesh urging Foxconn to begin the planning process for the proposed manufacturing city.
小編點評：安得拉邦的教育和IT部長Nara Lokesh邀請富士康在該州建立一個“製造城市”，提供大量補貼和專門的政策框架來支持這項投資。富士康代表表示有興趣探索電動汽車，半導體和數位健康等領域的機會，並指出了前首席部長Chandrababu Naidu努力吸引投資的努力的正面影響。會議以大量投資的暫定協議結束，Lokesh部長鼓勵富士康開始計劃擬議的製造城市。